Sodium chloride is the chemical name for salt. Sodium is an electrolyte that regulates the amount of water in your body. Sodium also plays a part in nerve impulses and muscle contractions.

Sodium chloride is used to treat or prevent sodium loss caused by dehydration, excessive sweating, or other causes.

Sodium chloride may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not take sodium chloride if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you have high sodium levels in your blood.

To make sure you can safely take sodium chloride, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• high blood pressure;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease (especially cirrhosis);
• a buildup of fluid around your lungs (also called pleural effusion);
• fluid retention (especially swelling in your ankles or feet );
• congestive heart failure;
• if you are pregnant and you have high blood pressure and fluid retention (also called preeclampsia);
• if you are allergic to any foods or drugs; or
• if you are on a low-salt diet.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether sodium chloride will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether sodium chloride passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Use Sodium Chloride (Sodium Chloride (Flush)) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using sodium chloride and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• nausea and vomiting;
• stomach pain; or
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.